Rally icon, sailing legend missing after Maldives boat crash that left Gautam Singhania hurt

A high-speed boat crash in the Maldives has left two Indians missing, including a celebrated rally figure, even as Gautam Singhania returns home. Search teams continue efforts amid mounting concern and unanswered questions.

In Short

• Two Indians missing after speedboat capsizes near Maldives' Vaavu atoll
• Gautam Singhania rescued with minor injuries, under medical care in Mumbai
• Search by Maldives Defence Force ongoing across sea and underwater zones

An Indian rally legend and a decorated sailing figure remain missing days after a high-speed boat accident in the Maldives involving industrialist Gautam Singhania, keeping search teams on edge and the sporting community anxiously waiting.

Late Thursday night, a speedboat carrying seven people capsized near Vaavu atoll in the Maldives, close to Felidhoo island. The vessel, travelling at high speed, overturned about two nautical miles southwest of Keyodhoo.

There were five Indian men, a British woman and a Russian woman on board.

Police said five people were thrown into the sea when the boat overturned. While five passengers were rescued, two Indian nationals remain unaccounted for.

Search operations by the Maldives National Defence Force continue across sea and underwater zones. As per the local media, authorities said, “The two missing persons are Indian nationals,” adding that efforts to locate them are ongoing.

WHO ARE MISSING

One of those missing is Hari Singh, 59, a towering figure in Indian motorsport. He is the first Indian to win the Asia Zone Rally Championship and a five-time national champion.

The second missing person is Commander Mahesh Ramachandran, captain of Singhania’s luxury yacht.

Ramachandran is a former naval aviator and an Arjuna Award-winning sailor, known for his achievements on the international stage and his leadership in India’s sailing community. He had been commanding the superyacht Ashena, managing both crew and operations.

GAUTAM SINGHANIA RESCUED

Gautam Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director of the Raymond Group, was among those on board and was rescued with minor injuries.
He returned to Mumbai for treatment. His spokesperson said he is under medical care and thanked well-wishers for their support.

The speedboat involved in the crash was being used to ferry passengers to his yacht, TT Ashena.

INJURIES AND RESCUE EFFORTS

All seven passengers sustained injuries of varying degrees. They were initially treated at a hospital in the atoll.

A Russian woman and an Indian man continue to receive treatment in the Maldives, while others have been moved to India.

One Indian national who suffered severe injuries, including the loss of an arm, has been flown to India for further treatment, as per local media reports.

SEARCH OPERATIONS INTENSIFY

The Maldives National Defence Force said its Male Area Command Coast Guard Second Squadron launched search operations soon after receiving information around 12.40 am.

Search teams have covered vast areas. Authorities said thousands of square nautical miles have been scanned at sea, along with extensive underwater searches by divers.

A police media official said, “Search operations are ongoing, but the missing individuals have not yet been found.”

MOTORSPORT COMMUNITY ON EDGE

The disappearance of Hari Singh has sent shockwaves through India’s motorsport circles.

Fellow racers and colleagues have expressed concern, recalling his role as a mentor at JK Tyre Motorsport and his contribution to nurturing young talent.

As the search enters critical days, both the sporting fraternity and maritime community continue to watch for updates, hoping for a breakthrough.

- Ends